The first of many significant hurdles to normalcy in Florida’s property market was cleared Tuesday when SB-76 emerged unscathed from the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee via a 9 to 3 bipartisan vote. Two Senate hearings remain before it goes to the floor–next being the sometimes prickly Judiciary Committee chaired by Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg). Senator Brandes voted for the bill as a member of Senator Boyd’s Committee and has been a staunch advocate for common sense reforms, including attorney fee multipliers and reductions in the time for promptly filing a claim.
In the House, Bob Rommel (R-Naples) is sponsoring the companion, HB-305, referred to Insurance & Banking, Civil Justice & Property Rights and the Commerce Committee. It has not yet been heard.